It is easy to gain a definite notion of the furnishing of colonial houses from a contemporary and reliable source - the inventories of the estates of the colonists. Alice Morse Earle colonialcolonistcontemporary Change image and share on social
The first and most natural way of lighting the houses of the American colonists, both in the North and South, was by the pine-knots of the fat pitch-pine, which, of course, were found everywhere in the greatest plenty in the forests. Alice Morse Earle americancolonistfat share on social
There is something inexpressibly sad in the thought of the children who crossed the ocean with the Pilgrims and the fathers of Jamestown, New Amsterdam, and Boston, and the infancy of those born in the first years of colonial life in this strange new world. Alice Morse Earle amsterdambearboston share on social
It is heartrending to read the entries in many an old family Bible - the records of suffering, distress, and blasted hopes. Alice Morse Earle bibleblastdistress Change image and share on social
The men in those old days of the seventeenth century, when in constant dread of attacks by Indians, always rose when the services were ended and left the house before the women and children, thus making sure the safe exit of the latter. Alice Morse Earle attackcenturychild share on social
Salem houses present to you a serene and dignified front, gracious yet reserved, not thrusting forward their choicest treasures to the eyes of passing strangers; but behind the walls of the houses, enclosed from public view, lie cherished gardens, full of the beauty of life. Alice Morse Earle beautycherishchoic share on social
The study of tavern history often brings to light much evidence of sad domestic changes. Many a cherished and beautiful home, rich in annals of family prosperity and private hospitality, ended its days as a tavern. Alice Morse Earle annalbeautifulbring share on social
It is plainly evident that, in a country where land was to be had for the asking, fuel for the cutting, corn for the planting and harvesting, and game and fish for the least expenditure of labor, no man would long serve for another, and any system of reliable service indoors or afield must fail. Alice Morse Earle afieldcorncountry share on social
In the early New England meeting-houses the seats were long, narrow, uncomfortable benches, which were made of simple, rough, hand-riven planks placed on legs like milking-stools. Alice Morse Earle benchearlyengland Change image and share on social
From the hour when the Puritan baby opened his eyes in bleak New England, he had a Spartan struggle for life. Alice Morse Earle babybleakengland Change image and share on social